The Importance of a Home Inspection

February 25, 2015

You’ve found the home you want to buy and it looks like it’s in great shape. But, how can you know for sure that there are not problems that are hidden out of sight and won’t surface until you move in? That’s the value of a home inspection, uncovering any potential problems before you make an offer.

With a home inspection report in hand, you’ll be in a better negotiating position when it’s time to make an offer to the home seller. You might, for example, settle on a lower price, so you have funds available to make any necessary repairs. Or, you may want your offer to be contingent upon the seller taking care of the issues before you close.

Four different types of home inspections:

1. General home inspection: A typical inspection will include the home’s structure itself (including the roof and exterior walls), plus all of the systems, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC and ventilation. The inspector will also examine the home’s interior walls and structures for any defects.

2. Termite inspection: An untrained eye would likely miss damage caused by termites or other wood boring insects. But a trained inspector can spot problems that could otherwise cause you a lot of headaches later (not to mention costing you a lot of money).

3. Radon inspection: Radon is a dangerous, radioactive gas that forms in nature, usually around granite. Radon can gather in attics, basements and other confined areas. If the home tests too high for radon, remedies may include sealing water drainage systems, basement foundations and concrete floors.

4. Other types of home inspections: If applicable to the home, you may consider obtaining inspections of wells and well water, septic tanks and/or oil tanks.

More home inspection tips:

If at all possible, you’ll want to be present when the home inspector is conducting the inspection. You’ll learn a lot about your potential new home. The entire inspection may take anywhere from two to five hours. The size of the home, its age, and the area of the country will determine it the cost of the inspection.

Don’t skip this important step when considering purchasing a home. It will save you money in the long run!